PEREGRINES IN LOVE 



(To E. G. S.) 



IN the salt winds of the Atlantic, and above 

 their ancient eyrie, the peregrine falcons 

 anchor their flight with easy mastery of the 

 gusty uptrends of the precipitous headland 

 face. When first the celandine came below 

 the hedges, the male hawk mounted high, 

 and stooped at his larger mate like a black 

 and shaftless arrowhead of iron, uttering 

 shrill love-notes the while. Now the dog 

 violets and the red campion flowers are 

 among the grasses ; the pink sea-thrift 

 blooms in sheltered places; and still the 

 peregrines pursue each other and kiss with 

 swift fondness over the foamed waters. 



The kestrel is considered by some natural- 

 ists to be the most scientific hoverer of our 

 British hawks. Certainly he uses with great 



skill the winds of heaven for his livelihood. 

 130 



